« Saint Germain Island » : the transformation of an administrative building into 254 social housing units in Paris
01-12-2023« Saint-Germain Island » Project is the result of close collaboration between the State, the Social Housing Company and the City of Paris. It received the Equerre d’Argent Award 2023, which is an Architectural Prize. The building was owned by the Ministry of the Army, in rue Saint-Dominique (7th arrondissement), near the Invalides and the Assemblée Nationale. It had been tranformed into 254 social housing units, a creche and a gymnasium, and a garden.
The project management was carried out by the Social Housing Provider RIVP. It integrates energy and environnemental standards set by the futur Paris bioclimatic Urbanism Plannificaton Document (PLU Bioclimatic) which encourage production of social housing by the transformation of the existing buildings, in particular offices.
Balconies have been created. On the ground floor, an extension was also built for the creche, and a sports hall, with a green roof. Buildings Façades have not been transformed because they have architectural and historical value, but cleaning and insulation have been carried out. The insulation and repair of the roof terraces were carried out and greened. Heat production is provide by renewals and local energies production. The lighting is low consumption standart and the sanitary equipment is hydro-efficient. Various materials from the existing building have been re-use ( wooden floors). Green spaces have been increase with trees and plants. Also, a rainwater recovery system was installed.
This project is emblematic of housing policy carried out since 2014, in Paris. In this district, there was a lack of social housing (3%). With this project, the City achieves its objective of 25% of social housing.
This is the result of a joint support from public authorities, via a partnership between the State and the City. This project was possible by the application of the « Duflot discount ». This possibility comes from a law and authorizes the State for programs including social housing, to reduce land price.
This operation could be replicated and the City has already identified, three areas owned by State which could be transform. This would represent a potential of 144 additional social housing units.
Contact : Carine Puyol carine.puyol@union-habitat.org